Mwanawasa warns potential NCC opponents

LUSAKA, Zambia, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa said this week illegal opposition to the National Constitution Conference could result in treason charges.

The president said his recent trips to Britain and the United States had given him a new outlook regarding any potential opposition to the upcoming conference and that any illegal actions would be dealt with accordingly, the Times of Zambia reported Wednesday.

"The NCC Act is now law and I want (to warn) those daring government and are still doubting and want to fight or make governance impossible that they will be committing treason," Mwanawasa said Tuesday.

"Let me hear any nonsense bordering on malice and they will be arrested and charged for treason and this charge is not bailable," he said.

Mwanawasa also asked those who have openly opposed the constitutional meeting to look at the current state of the NCC Act, the Times said.

"We have addressed the concerns raised over the Constitution review, so what is the problem, why should they continue complaining?" Mwanawasa asked.